I had 2 needs, first to free up space on a PC overflowing with HD video files, second to send the files to archiving in a safe place.

I have just backed up 70GB of Sony AVCHD files a few days ago from an almost full desktop PC, onto a new 1TB MyBook Smartdrive. All 3 Sony file types are definitely there, .modd , .moff and m2ts, listed side by side in file number set, with notation of date taken and file size. Just had to hit the retrieve button and drill down to find the files, but didn’t go ahead with retieval. Fortunately I’d organized all the files on PC into categories a few weeks ago before the backup, so maybe it’s a bit easier.

I can see how it will become difficult to retrieve quickly over time, however, as the mass of files grows, so maybe the way is to use a traditional MyBook unit for external storage of files that need to be actively accessed and referred to, as for video editing process.

My view, until WD come up with easier access software, use the Smartware unit for ease of mind backup only, and regular external drives for files that you need easy access to. Video editing sofware in particular needs easy access, but the present retrieval process looks a bit cumbersome from where I sit.

try associating one of your .mts files first with a programme that will open/ work with AVCHD files. After associating my files with Cyberlink PowerDirector Ultra as opening & editing tool, no probs with Sony files .m2ts, .mod and .moff…all are there on, in my case, a 1TB Smartware external drive.

Next…OK they’re there, but accessing the files…just a long list of files, with no sub categories.

my stumbled on solution…forget automatic saving, set up the Smartware drive as a conventional MyBook external drive…but unable to remove the Smartware software (kept coming back).

successfully removed by reformatting the drive to a NTFS file system (free download from Microsoft), it overwrites the external hard disk. Be sure to retrieve any files first before this procedure.

Big benefit…go to Google for more about NTFS…basically built for working with the bigger AVCHD video files, not like the older Fat 32 which has quite small file size limitations.

My end result, have a big external drive for storage (but still have to do manual backups), but have open ability to set up file catalogues in the normal way, esseantial to finding your ( and your editing software) way through to multiple files.